Fraud & Cybersecurity Awareness

As part of our Fraud Awareness Month campaign, Fidelity Bank continues to help customers stay vigilant and protect their finances. This week, we’re focusing on contractor and home improvement scams, including schemes that often emerge after natural disasters. Our theme—STOP AND THINK—reminds homeowners that a few moments of caution can prevent significant loss.

Spotlight: How Contractor and Home Improvement Scams Work

Scam artists often target homeowners by offering overpriced or unnecessary home improvement services. Common tactics include:

• Charging more than the quoted price after starting work.
• Providing shoddy or incomplete work and then threatening the homeowner when payment is disputed.
• Using high-pressure sales tactics to push homeowners into quick decisions.

After natural disasters, fraudsters may exploit homeowners’ urgency to repair or rebuild by posing as:

• Fake insurance adjusters
• Bogus government officials
• Fraudulent charities
• Fake bank representatives

These scammers can falsify credentials, titles, and uniforms to appear legitimate, making it easy for even cautious homeowners to fall victim.

STOP AND THINK: Protect Yourself

Here are key steps you can take to avoid contractor and home improvement fraud:

• Avoid door-to-door solicitors or cold calls. Legitimate contractors rarely solicit business this way.
• Verify the contractor’s credentials. Ask for their address, phone number, identification, proof of insurance, and required licenses.
• Get a written contract. Ensure it includes clear payment terms and project details.
• Never pay in cash or upfront. Use secure payment methods and avoid handing over large sums before work begins.
• Protect your personal information. Never share checking account, credit card, or debit card numbers.
• Choose your own lender if financing is needed. Do not let a contractor push you toward a particular loan.
• Don’t make decisions under pressure. Take time to verify credentials, check references, and compare estimates.
• Verify government officials and agencies. Contact the official agency directly to confirm authenticity.
• Inspect the work before final payment. Ensure the job is complete, debris is removed, and required inspections are passed.

Why This Matters

Contractor and home improvement scams can cause significant financial and emotional stress. By staying informed and alert, you can protect your home, your finances, and your family.

At Fidelity Bank, we are committed to helping our community STOP AND THINK before acting. Recognizing these scams and following best practices keeps you safe and ensures that your home improvements and disaster recovery efforts are handled by legitimate professionals.

More in our STOP AND THINK Fraud Awareness Series

Learn how to spot scams, protect your finances, and stay one step ahead of fraudsters:

• Romance Scams
• How to Protect Yourself From Check Fraud
• Mobile Deposit Check Fraud: Spotting the Warning Signs
• IRS Telephone Scam: How to Protect Yourself
• Text Message Scams
• Computer Tech Support Scams

Stay alert, stay informed — and always STOP AND THINK.